From The 16th Iowa Regiment

BENTON BARRACKS,

St. Louis, March 22, 1862.

EDITOR OF GAZETTE. – Knowing the interest of your readers in the progress of the Iowa 16^th, I will give you a few items thereof.  We left Davenport for this place last Thursday morning – weather unpropitious and mud deep.  Till we arrived at Alton, it stormed continually, generally snowing hard, and excessively disagreeable.  The boys took everything philosophically, and were in the very best spirits.  The idea of a change from their old quarters was inspiriting and nothing seemed to dampen their happiness.  The long train moved tediously slow, and those who thought about the matter feared it would make the arrival at St. Louis a night exploit, and bring with it many disagreeablities that otherwise would be avoided.

We did not arrive at Alton till about 4 o’clock Friday afternoon – along after the time we should have been comfortably quartered in these Barracks.  Our train of nineteen passenger and an unknown number of freight cars, had been divided into two trains at Joliet, (where, by the way, through the thoughtfulness of Col. Chambers, several barrels of hot coffee awaited us.)  At Alton, we found everything deeply muddy, and mingled snow and rain adding to the miserable complexion of things.  We were here shipped on to a large steamer for St. Louis, and after about an hour’s delay were off, and in a little over another hour at the St. Louis wharf.

We did not get started to Benton Barracks, about four miles off, till after dark.  The march out was very muddy, but the boys seemed almost to enjoy it.  They sung John Brown & Co. with immense zeal, while our German companies indulged in songs in their own language.  The night was pitch dark, and we stumbled our way along promiscuously after leaving the gas lights.  At 1 1-2 o’clock we arrived at the Barracks.  Excepting an occasional lantern flitting about the grounds, and here and there a flickering candle in officer’s quarters, all was the darkness of the outside fields and woods.  Here our boys came as near being disgusted as their good spirits would permit.  Entering the gate, under, the guide of some non-commissioned supernumerary, we plunged from fathomable into unfathomable mud.  An Irishman with a lantern released us briefly, and then plunged the regiment into something very extraordinary, even after our past experience, in the way of mud.  Getting us well stuck, and not being able to see six feet beyond our noses, the Lt. Colonel in command, (the Colonel having gone out in advance to make arrangements, but it appears losing his way and arriving only a few minutes before us,) became wrathy, ordered the lantern bearer as escort, and started to find headquarters, and have something done for our relief instanter [sic]. – There he found the Colonel, ascertained the quarters were all full, no notice had been had of our coming, and we might get a place in the old “wash house” of former regiments.  He captured another Irishman with another lantern, and triumphantly returned, his Wentz mare snorting with the zeal of her master.  The two lanterns marched us and then countermarched us, and then mired the gallant 16^th, Iowa’s last and best hope.  Finally, we got to a great barn of a building.  Without furniture bunks or straw.  The boys however, went in gladly, and at last piled about promiscuously, were soon asleep, the officers being the last to hunt up corners, a Muscatine Lieutenant sleeping in a manger.

This morning they were an awful muddy looking set of individuals, from the Colonel down, but just as good humored as ever. – To-day all the officials have appeared anxious to do what they could for the 16^th.  In fact, the Iowa boys stand A. No. 1 here.  There is no mistake about that, as remarks all over the camp hourly illustrate.  We have had a large number of bunks put up, and to-morrow will be really comfortable.  The officers have rooms separate from, but adjoining those of the men.  The field and staff officers have a kind of dwelling some distance from the company quarters, and I learn have got their larder filled and cooks at work.  We will immediately recommence our drill, and continue at work till ordered away, which may be any day.

It may seem strange, but in Camp McClellan there is better discipline than at Benton Barracks.  Our “guard mounting” was infinitely better done than here, and rules more rigidly adhered to.  Our reception here, last night, was simply disgraceful, whether we were expected or not.  I did not see a commissioned officer, outside of our own regiment, before I went to bed.  Two Irish sergeants were the only persons who did a thing for us.

I should have said, that in every town and village through which we passed, we were received with cheering, waving of handkerchiefs, &c.  To this our boys grew hoarse in responding.  Our sick are none the worse for the trip, and we have added none to the list, although many a 16^th slept with wet feet last night.  We have not commenced longing for home or feather beds yet.

ORDERLY.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Friday Morning, March 28, 1862, p. 2 

From The Second Iowa Cavalry

BIRD’S POINT, Mo., March 2, 1862.

FRIEND SANDERS. – The papers reach us very irregularly here.  Those writing, or mailing for the 2d cavalry, will please direct to Cairo, Ill., until further orders; we have a regimental mail to and from Cairo daily.

The general health of the regiment is better than at any time since leaving Davenport.  Surgeons Reeder and Noyes, are enjoying at present a respite from the arduous duties imposed on them, day and night, while at Benton Barracks.

On Wednesday last I had the pleasure of going aboard the “Benton” at Cairo.  She has never yet been in action, her engines having proved deficient, on her trial trip.  She is now completed and is the largest, staunchest boat of them all.  She carries sixteen guns; of her four bow guns, two are nine inch shell, Columbiads, and two fifty-six pounders, riffled.  She is very wide and roomy and coated with iron mail from stem to stern.  On her bow she is protected by twenty-six inches in thickness of solid oak timber, besides her iron plating, her pilot house is formed of solid iron, a foot thick and so constructed as to be impervious to any shot the rebels may choose to greet her with.  She requires two hundred and fifty men to man her.  She is to be the flag ship.

When the fleet of gun and mortar boats get under way, look out for a speedy opening of the Mississippi from Cairo to New Orleans.

On Friday night, at 9 o’clock, orders came for the first and second battalions, to be ready to march in half an hour, with two days rations.  This was short notice, but at the time named the first battalion was in line on the parade ground, armed, equipped and ready for the fray.  They were soon joined by the second battalion, and at 10 o’clock the guides went forward and the march commenced.  The night was cloudy, with occasionally a sprinkle of rain, and figuratively speaking, as dark as a “stack of black cats.”

For five or six miles our route lay through the dense forest, skirting the river bank.  There was no road, and the guides picked their way as best they could, having only the course of the river for their direction.  The 7th Ill. cavalry were also in the column, which as we marched by twos, was about 2 miles long.  On we went now running against this tree, then on that stump, then over a log or entangled in a fallen tree top, or stumbling among flood wood, which had been drifted in by the previous overflow of high water; at another time in the darkness a horse and rider got off the bank, into the river. – At each of these mishaps the long column would be brought to a halt, and sometimes be brought up “all standing,” and again plunging down a steep bank or into some ravine.  Sometimes horses and riders would be down flat.

After leaving the river the road followed along the bank of a lake or bayou eight or ten miles, with a dyke extending the whole distance to prevent overflow in high water.  Sometimes we were in the road, but mostly in the ditch alongside and on top of the dyke.

Just before day Charleston was reached, the column halted, and a hasty breakfast was disposed of.  This Charleston is one of Jeff. Thompson’s points, and he and his crew were the crowd we were after.  About daylight the 2d cavalry proceeded on six miles further to Bertrand, and according to orders awaited the arrival of Gen. Paine.  He arrived about 10 o’clock, and gave orders for a return to camp.  In fifteen minutes the line was in motion, faced homewards – much to the chagrin of the 2d Cavalry, who had calculated on a brush and the capture of Jeff., sure.  But as usual, he was non est.  Had he not been, the 2d Iowa might have had a trophy.

We arrived in camp at 5 a.m. Saturday, having made nearly fifty miles in less than 20 hours.  We are up and ready for the next call, and hope when next we go, to meet secesh.  Charleston is a “right smart town,” and a beautiful country immediately around it.  Bertrand is a God-forsaken place, seeming to be deserted by every living thing.  The country through which we passed was generally well settled, and on many of the farms good, neat and substantial farm houses, but the general absence of window curtains gave a desolate appearance to the houses, and showed a great lack of good taste at least in the inhabitants.  I noticed farmers plowing, and others making garden.

8 P. M. – The 3d battalion have just received orders to march to-morrow morning about 6 o’clock, with their transportation, and encamp at Charleston.  Hoping our chance my come soon, truly yours,

DIFF.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Friday Morning, March 7, 1862, p. 2

Letter of William Kelley Steele, Oct. 3, 1861

Benton Barracks

St. Louis Missouri

Oct. 3d 1861

Dear Parents,

I received your kind letter this morning and was glad to hear from you and that you were well. I also am well and enjoying myself very well. You ask where we are. At present we are at Benton Barracks, St. Louis, Missouri, but expect to leave here in the morning, for what point I cannot say. It is unknown but for the field of battle probably. Borrow no trouble about my turning traitor, neither about my turning my back to the enemy, and further I will try to do my duty both to my country and superior officers. Tell Mother that it is impossible for me to get my picture for her at present. I would if I could and be glad to. News came to hand this morning that the Rebels had taken Jefferson City, but that is doubtful. Our pickets were driven in last night. Now I believe I have told you all the news and must do a little begging. Father, I wish you would send me some money for I had bad luck and lost all the money I had and am without a cent. We received our uniforms yesterday. I like all the officers well and a fine lot of boys there is in the Company. Give my love to all the family. Remember me to all the friends. Write often. Direct to William Kelly Steele, Company H, 9th Regiment Iowa Volunteers, St. Louis, Missouri. I have written two letters to Mary Ann and have received no answer, and now good bye dear parents.

Your Affectionate Son and Brother,

William Kelly Steele

From St. Louis

ST. LOUIS, Feb. 17.

The despatches [sic] at headquarters reduce the number of the rebel garrison captured at Fort Donelson to ten thousand, and state that Gen. Pillow was not among the captured as at first reported.

A salute was fired from all the fortifications around the city, and at Benton barracks and the Arsenal, glorifying the victory.

Col. Thos. A. Scott, Assistant Secretary of war arrived to-day from Cairo, and remains here several days.

There was a holiday among the troops at Benton barracks.  Drills and parades were dispensed with.  Gen. Strong made a stirring speech to the soldiers.

Several of the Courts adjourned in honor of our victory, and all sorts of incidents of joy are repeated.

Troops are constantly going forward, bound southward.

The only additional item from Donelson is that the gunboats were present when the enemy raised the white flag.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Wednesday Morning, February 19, 1862, p. 1

From The 2d Iowa Cavalry

BENTON BARRACKS, Mo., Feb. 11^th, 1862.

FRIEND SANDERS: Benton Barracks is yet or “abiding place,” and though some with little faith may suppose from the past that it may long continue to be, yet I think the time of our departure is near at hand.  Among the vast multitude of soldiers that are now taking their appointed places in the grand “forward” which has commenced, the 2d Iowa Cavalry will soon be “counted in.”  The regiment received last week over four hundred revolvers and are expecting the balance daily.  As soon as received they will be ready.

On the 5^th the regiment took an airing to and through the city.  Yesterday, by order of Gen. Halleck, it marched to the city and was reviewed by him.  The St. Louis Democrat says: “They appeared without exception, to be in the finest possible condition and moved with the precision and confidence of veteran troops.”  The streets were thronged with “lookers on.”  The column passed through several of the principal streets.  A close observer by following the column could make out a very correct “check roll” of loyal citizens, and of those who scorn the banner that ever has and now is securing to them all the blessings of “life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.”  As the column moved through Main street the majority of the business men looked hard at us.  “Secesh” when looking at sights of this kind are no doubt impressed with an idea that fearful realities are very soon to be experienced from similar movements.

Through the streets which the column moved many ladies and all the children thronged the doors and windows, and most of the ladies, and all of the little ones were for the Stars and Stripes.  Hundreds of flags were flung to the breeze, and waving of signals by the hands of many fair ladies, gave the cheering proof, that they are for “Union.”  In many cases the schools on the streets through which we passed, had intermission, and at one place, on Washington Avenue, the young misses ranged themselves on the walk, and sung as we passed, the “Red, White, and Blue.”  It was an inspiring scene.  May this be the last time they may ever be called to witness the force of arms as necessary to enforce obedience to and uphold the supremacy of the “Constitution and the Laws.”

The people who have been so anxiously waiting until they had almost began to think patience no longer a virtue, can, no doubt, now begin to see that in his own good time McClellan is ready.  The grand advance has begun.  The “Anaconda” from his head on the Potomac, along his heavy folds down the Atlantic coast to the Gulf, and throughout his extensive coils to the Kansas border, is beginning to enclose within his mighty embrace the “hell” of Secessiondom.  His colossal proportions are now beginning to writhe with powerful contortions, and as one after another of his massive folds overlapping each other crowd its resistless sway with deadly effect into the vitals of rebellion, the arch-traitors themselves, as they hear the reverberating shouts of victory resounding in thunder tones throughout the loyal States, and witness it re-echoed from thousands of loyal hearts within the borders of their fair land they would consign to infamy and despotism, will themselves begin to recoil from his terrible embrace; and as the “beginning of the end” begins to loom up before their astonished gaze, they will cry out for the mountains and the rocks to fall and cover them from the wrath of “Abraham.”

Gen. Curtis is after Price with something worse than a “sharp stick;” a victory awaits us there, and not only there, but very soon everywhere.

There are now but three full regiments here – the 2d Iowa Cavalry, the 1^st and 2d Michigan Cavalry, with their batteries.  The first battalion of the Iowa 1^st Cavalry is also here.  From present indications, I think we will go direct to Tennessee, and very probably with Gen. Halleck himself.  He will no doubt soon take the field in person.  When the “Sunny South” greets our vision, I will let you know the result of my observations.  That such may very speedily be the case is the earnest desire of every one in the 2d cavalry.

The regiment, under the daily, thorough instruction if its efficient officers, has become very proficient in drill.  Its health is rapidly improving, and but few are now in the hospital.  Forty three have died since we have been in this camp, but the regiment now seems to be acclimated.

The weather is fine, feeling for the past two days very spring like.  As I write, the doors are wide open.  It is quite muddy, but a few days will cause it to dry up.

As I have written twice as much as I intended, and perhaps twice as much as you wish, I come to a “halt.”

DIFF.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Monday Morning, February 17, 1862, p. 2

Medical View Of The Condition Of The Iowa Troops At St. Louis

(By D. L. McGugin, M. D., Surgeon and Medical Inspector, Benton Barracks.)

( Concluded. )

The mumps came among the men to assert their right to inflict pain and suffering and as if to cap the climax of eruptive diseases, there have been a number of cases of small pox and varioloid. From this last the regiments from Iowa have escaped thus far, and as they have all been vaccinated it is hoped they are fully protected.

It is a subject of wonder to me that so many aft attained to their majority without having contracted the measles. It is curious to observe that an equal proportion of each regiment have taken the disease, which leads me to the conclusion that vital statistics would show a certain per cent, greater than is supposed, who have never suffered from the disease, in every community.

In my desire to afford all the satisfaction in my power, I have been compelled to resort to some medical terms, the better to convey the information so much desired on the part of the people of the State. Almost every intelligent individual is, or ought to be informed in some degree of the anatomy and physiology of the lungs and of respiration and therefore will pardon me if I may not have expressed myself as plainly as I could have done. In looking over what I have written I do not see that I could have resorted to simpler terms that would have been as expressive on the conditions, with all the particular circumstances.

Such then were the chief agents in the production of so much disease and death among the soldiers, and which has startled and surprised the friends, relatives and neighbors of those who have enlisted and are now in the service. If you will but obtain a record of the sick and then compare the mortality, the latter will not appear so startling after all. For instance, in the 3d Michigan there are in quarters in one day reported to me 265 sick and in Hospital 50, and that regiment has averaged 250 in all during the past month. I have not at hand the statistics, but when they come to be examined it will be found that the result will not prove so startling after all.

And yet it is sad to witness even the amount we have had and I am free to believe that it could not be averted. The regimental hospitals, some of which are in private dwellings which were the property, in some instances, of rebel sympathizers and aiders and abettors of treason, were not calculated for hospitals, although large and fine residences. They could not be regulated very well, and it was very difficult to get the nurses to understand their duty and to perform it even when they knew it. Men nurses are not as neat nor as thoughtful as the females, either in keeping the apartments or apparel clean, or in preparing food properly for the patients. And yet, after much care and instruction they are now in such a condition as to call forth the highest encomiums from the President of the Sanitary Commission of St. Louis as regards their condition.

I have enumerated some of the diseases which in their several forms have seized upon the soldiers and have carried many of them to their silent tombs. I have seen a number stricken down with disease and die, who had fought bravely upon the battle field and escaped the balls and shot of the enemy. I witnessed a touching spectacle in which the hospital of the 7th Iowa Infantry, (Col. Lauman’s,) which had covered itself all over with the glory in the bloody struggle of Belmont. Two brave young men had languished for some weeks with pneumonia, and upon my daily visits I was particularly interested in them. They appeared to be about twenty years of age, but their countenances, although changed by disease, still wore an expression of intelligence and refinement. One day I left them without hope of recovery for them, although Surgeon Witter had exerted every effort in their behalf. Their youthful vigor had made a strong stand against disease, but they were drawn down lower and lower, until finally the great conqueror Death triumphed. Upon my visit next morning I found they had both died within an hour of each other, and their comrades were performing the sad duty of preparing them for their place in the silent sand. There they lay; their lungs had ceased to breath – the heart to propel the vital current, and all was still and death quiet and stony stillness marked their finely moulded forms: for despite their lingering illness, they still preserved more or less of the fineness of outline and symmetry of proportion which characterizes the form of youth in healthful vigor. I thought, as I looked with admiration upon their lifeless forms, what retribution was in reservation for those who had caused the necessity for such multiplied and great sacrifices. Poor fellows; I thought, too, of their mothers, sisters and friends; what great sacrifices they had made for their country, in giving these youths that our country and its institutions may be restored and perpetuated.

“They now sleep their last sleep – they have fought their last battle. No sound can awake them to glory again.”

From the spirit of the synopsis of the lecture of the reverend Gentleman, I was led to the inference that he thought a reformation was needed among the officers in the matter of caring for the men. In this I may be in error; but, if not, I deem it my duty to say that our officers displayed a most commendable interest in the well being of the men, from the lowest to the highest in command. But it was impossible for them to avoid the silent and intangible agents, which have been so potent and active in predisposing and exciting disease. – My opportunities for observation are equal to those of any other in the cantonment; and I cannot now see when I look back how these silent agencies for mischief could have been thwarted, unless the commanders of regiments had disobeyed orders, and taken their men upon some knoll, and there pitched their tents, and thus to suffer a violation of general orders making them liable to be put under arrest and tried by a court martial. Those that were sent from these barracks to the field, and the parts of regiments that had leave to erect their tents and take their quarters in them, have comparatively escaped disease, proving clearly and conclusively the correctness of my opinion, some time since embodied in a report to headquarters. Men in time of war must obey their superior officers. The Colonel has his power; the Brigadier General controls and commands him; the Major General holds the reins upon him again; while he again is subject to supreme command. It is a little despotism from beginning to end, and it is necessary that it should be so, otherwise all would be commanders and all would be leaders.

Another fact must be observed and considered, and that is, that this government has done more in the same space of time to raise, equip, and supply an army of its immense size than any nation has ever done; and that, too, under the most embarrassing circumstances. The magnitude of this work would not allow it to provide such comforts and accommodations as the majority of the men who compose it find at home. I am proud to know that the government has been able to accomplish so much, and carry out so grand a scheme. Where its management had to be entrusted to men inexperienced in military matters and the wants of the soldiers, it could not be very reasonably expected that every part would be perfect, or that every defect would be foreseen by those who are wanting in experience, for by this we learn facts which cannot be gained by any other means.

I therefore think it unfair for those who have little to do in the labor, toil, and responsibilities of so great an undertaking, to find fault when they themselves do not suffer any of the discomforts, and speak disparagingly of the conduct of others, when they know so little of the circumstances by which they are surrounded and the difficulties which they encounter. Persons enjoying the comforts of a happy home, with every blessing around them, a blazing cheerful fire in the winter’s cold to defend against the howling blasts which are provoked into “angry soughs” because they are not permitted to enter in; who sleep upon soft beds or couches of ease; who have every delicacy, and enjoy the liberty of going and coming at all hours without interruption, whose actions are free and untrammeled; who are enjoying the security purchased and preserved by the sacrifices of those in the service of their country; it is quite an easy matter for these to find fault, exaggerate, and misrepresent. – Look at the soldier! He is out early in the morning whether it rains or shines, whether it is calm or stormy, whether it is wet or dry, he must be abroad, and whatever betide he must endure it. He tramps, tramps, tramps, whether the mud be knee deep, whether it be frozen and therefore rough – whether it be a glare of sleet or ice, he must endure it until the hour comes when he is allowed to prepare his dinner, without the show of silver plate, china, fine steel knives and three pronged silver forks with napkins and their rings to boot. Tin cups and tin plates, pot-metal knives and forks, accompanied with iron spoons are refinements in the army. The sound of the bugle or the roll of the drum calls them out again, and it is drill again. The night may be passed on guard, and no matter how pitiless the storm, they must endure it, because the sleepless guardians of the night. At nine the “taps” put out the few lights, and they retire to sleep upon their hard bunks, or if in tents, upon the ground, to rise again at dawn of day to partake of their crude food, and then to drill or parade again. And yet these men complain less than those at home, and find less fault, because they know more about everything and readily understand the whole ponderous machinery.

Some of the papers in our state have belched forth invectives against the officers connected with the regiments, and in a particular manner the medical officers. I do not deny that there as some medical men in the service who dishonor it and their profession. The reason is, that they are very often selected by men who are not always competent to judge of medical acquirements. But in the main, the medical men in this cantonment will compare favorably with those in any department of the service; and most certainly they have been attentive faithful and laborious in their application to duty. I have had opportunities afforded me with their efforts, their constancy and fidelity to the trusts imposed upon them. The people should know that the surgeon of a regiment, if he [does] his duty faithfully and well, has the heaviest responsibility imposed upon him of all the officers in the army. The commander may lead his men into battle and win a victory, and have his name inscribed high in the lists of fame, yet not a word is said of the surgeon who has dressed the wounds and saved the flickering spark of life as it was fast oozing out of some torn artery or large vein. These mangled limbs, these mutilated forms have purchased the victory and paid the highest price ever paid for the fame and renown of their leader; and yet he who saves to life, the world, and their families, these precious materials, although maimed and deformed, rests from his labors and his name is not even mentioned. – “The Surgeons were busy with the wounded” is the alpha and omega of all that is said of them. They are a class of men desirable only from necessity. Officers high in command, will here their suggestions and adopt what their own limited conception of the sanitary laws may appear to them as necessary. And yet the secular world are too prone to reflect upon those who, on the one hand has to contend against a secret, and intangible enemy, who only shows that he is abroad by the number of victims shown by the way, and on the other, their hands are tied while making the attempt.

To defend the commanding officers and surgeons, and to show what causes existed for so much sickness and mortality, that the people may know and understand; have been the motives which have dictated this communication, which I regret is quite too long. I have been sure that the people did not comprehend the reason because they had been taught to know that these barracks have cost such large sums of money, and per consequence the comforts were in proportion. This should have and might have been, and yet not one officer in all these barracks had a finger in their construction.

I trust your lecturer has recounted these facts, and if he have not, because it was not in the immediate sphere of his duties, you will please give this to the people through your columns, and you will satisfy those who may confide in the views and the conclusions, and oblige.

Yours very respectfully,

D. L. McGUGIN

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Friday Morning, February 14, 1862, p. 2

NOTE: This is the second of a two part article. For its first part, please click HERE.

From the Seventeenth Regiment

BENTON BARRACKS,
ST. LOUIS, MO, April 26th, 1862

This day the Field and Staff Officers of the Iowa 17th regiment and the commanders of companies met at the quarters of the Colonel, and passed the following resolutions:

Resolved, That our gratitude be expressed and our thanks tendered to the Hon. Samuel J. Kirkwood, the Executive of the State of Iowa, and to Col. N. B. Baker, the Adjutant General, for their exertions in behalf of the raising and organization of the Iowa 17th regiment, to which we belong, and especially for their zeal and energy in securing the acceptance of the regiment, when, from some cause unknown to us, the Adjutant General of the U. S., at Washington, advised that it must be disbanded.

Resolved, That our thanks be tendered to the editors of newspapers in Iowa for their great liberality in commending the Iowa 17th to the able-bodied men of the State, for repeated favorable commendations and for the gratuitous publication of recruiting notices.

Resolved, That we are proud of our noble young State – proud of her gallant regiments now in the field – proud of their moral and heroic prowess displayed in the very jaws of death – proud of the Iowa ladies, ever at the bed of the sick and wounded soldiers – proud of our friends at home who bid us God speed and here being about to step on the battle field, we add the resolve that we will not tarnish the fair fame of the proudest State of the Federal Union.

JOHN W. RANKIN, Colonel.
D. B. HILLIS, Lieut. Colonel.
S. M. WISE, Major.
S. GUTHRIE, Lieut. And Adjutant.
E. J. ALDRICK, Lieut. And Q. M.
Capt. JOHN L. YOUNG, Co. A.
Capt. W. H. HOXIE, Co. B
Capt. S. M. ARCHER, Co. C
Capt. C. R. WEVER, Co. D
Capt. THOMAS PERRY, Co. E
Capt. J. F. WALDEN, Co. F
Capt. WM. HORNER, Co. G
Capt. D. A CRAIG, Co. H
Capt. H. N. MOORE, Co. I
Capt. S. E. HICKS, Co. K

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, May 10, 1862, p. 2

Benton Barracks, St. Louis, Feb. 8 [1862]

REV. A. J. KYNETTE, Cor. Sec. “Iowa Sanitary Commission”

Very dear Sir:– I received the box of goods and two kegs forwarded by you to our regiment, through “The Western Sanitary Commission,” St. Louis, and they are now in the hands of the Steward of our regimental hospital, by whom they will be faithfully applied as intended. On examining the goods I was surprised and pleased at the good taste displayed in the assorting of the articles. – They are just what we need, and these, together with those before received from “The Western Sanitary Commission” and “The Ladies’ Union Aid Society,” both of this city, will enable us to take such care of our sick as they deserve, and ask kind friends at home desire them to have. Your “Commission,” and all the “Aid Societies” who co-operate with you, are not working for compliments or praise from men; but it is due to ourselves to acknowledge this well-timed material aid, and thus to show that we are not ungrateful for the interest of our friends at home still feel for us; and it is due to you and the public, that you and they may know that you are not laboring in vain, but that you are accomplishing a noble and most important work, for I assure you it is so appreciated by those who receive its benefits. The earnest gratitude of the sick and wounded soldier will be inspired at the sight of these home comforts and luxuries, which but for such organization, he would never enjoy, and by means of which many a tedious day or restless night will be avoided, and perhaps many valuable lives preserved to friends and country.

I remain affectionately yours, &c.

C. G. TRUSDELL,
Chaplain 2d Iowa Cavalry

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Friday Morning, February 14, 1862, p. 1

Medical View Of The Condition Of The Iowa Troops At St. Louis

(By. D. L. McGugin, M.D., Surgeon and Medical Inspector, Benton Barracks.)

BENTON BARRACKS, Feb. 2, 1862.

EDITOR OF GAZETTE:– Dear Sir:– A commanding officer of the 14th Regt. Of Iowa Infantry handed me a copy of your paper in which there is an editorial article, highly, and no doubt, justly commendatory of a lecture delivered by the Rev. gentlemen of the State Sanitary Board.

While I am gratified beyond measure by the display of interest in the part of the people, in the welfare of the soldiers, yet I am very sure that they are not fully advised as to the causes and their nature, which have produced so much affliction among the soldiery composing the regiments from our State. The Reverend lecturer may have adverted to them, and yet I am very well assured that to understand them fully it would require a much longer visit than any member of the Sanitary board favored us with.

In view of these facts and in order to afford all the satisfaction in my power to the people of Iowa, who have sent into the field so many brave soldiers to suffer and many of them to die, I will endeavor to do so by describing some of the circumstances and phenomena which have been the subject of investigation, and which I believe to lie at the bottom, as active predisposing agencies of the diseases and of giving power to their malignancy. The fatal termination of so many cases has been as much deplored here as their enumeration was startling to the good people of Iowa and elsewhere.

My position has given me advantages of general observation, while at the same time its responsibilities would tend to bestir me to investigation. From these considerations it becomes me to state in detail the results of these inquiries and observations which is incumbent upon me, because it is due to the people, the friends of those who have fallen sacrifices, and to myself, because my sympathies and interests have been intimately blended with the State.

First then in the list of causes and which exerted great power, was the unfortunate selection of this place for a cantonment. A just apology may be found for its projectors in the fact, that at first it was meant only for a small barracks – for a kind of encampment for those who were to be sent into the field and who were awaiting equipments and stores, before being sent into active service. It was made a school of instruction, for these that their time might be profitably occupied in perfecting their drill and discipline and no one dreamed that it would attain to its present magnitude and proportions, being that of the largest encampment on the continent.

The ground on which it is located is flat – a kind of basin, and when dry is certainly a beautiful parade ground. The soil is black loam, composed of vegetable matters partially decomposed. It is surrounded on the southwest side by numerous basins or lakes of water, and from this direction the winds generally prevail. From the surfaces and surrounding of these, evaporations take place, so great a degree that this whole cantonment has been overhung until 10 o’clock A.M., with a misty fog or vapor, rendering the atmosphere murky, damp, cold, and chilling. That it might be made a better parade ground, on which to display their forces on dress parade, drill and inspection, the surface which was rendered somewhat uneven by the existence of numerous little tumuli, regarded by some as Indian mounds, was leveled down and made even. Every intelligent observer has observed the unfortunate results which usually flow from upturning, for the first time a large prairie. Malarious diseases will occur to those living upon or contiguous to it in autumn, and during the winter pneumonias of a low, lingering type. I might refer to facts connected with the spread of cholera, and to numerous other circumstances, but it is not necessary, as it is so well known as to become an undoubted fact. This surface was still more thoroughly and frequently exposed and disturbed by the tread of so many horses, by the construction of drains and culverts, of streets, avenues and numerous buildings.

In the winter season, in a climate like this, where the humidity is not frozen as fast as it rises, and therefore the air kept pure and clear as in the far North, so much moisture evolved must prove highly detrimental to health and vigor of constitution even under the most favorable circumstances, and with all the means of comfort and capacities for protection.

Again:– The vast aggregation of human beings upon a plot of ground, not more than three square miles, to the number at one time of near twenty thousand souls within this area, beside half that number of horses.

Had I time I would show the great consumption of atmospheric air by each individual, by which that element is deprived of its healthful properties. Not this only but at every expiration there is a large amount of poisonous matter thrown off. Beside this, there are exhalations from the skin, of a large amount of impurities, which contribute to the unhealthiness of the air. The vital elements of the atmospheric air in large cities are stolen away and their place supplied by that which is deleterious, and hence in these densely populated cities there is more sickness and a physical degradation when compared to the physical vigor displayed in the rural districts. It is true that conjoined with this are the habits of life – the indulgence in luxurious ease, and the unrestrained and unlicensed gratification of the animal appetites.

And again, these barrack buildings were also at first intended for temporary purposes, but have been from time to time added to until the camp has grown into its present immense proportions. The first nucleus being defective it was not altered and improved, but others of like structure and proportions were added, so as to preserve the type and symmetry. The laws and rules of health were not considered, and rather than change the plan and improve on the model, they grew on until they have extended to their present length. They are lightless almost, and as airless and gloomy within the apartments. Their floors are laid flat upon the carbonaceous loam or soil, and are actually lower then the surrounding surface in a large proportion of them, and therefore no currents of air are admitted beneath to drive out the poisonous breath uprising from the moist soil beneath, but is actually invited into these apartments by the partial vacui produced by a central stove heated up to red-heat by the soldiers, to protect themselves from the cold moist air obtruding itself through every cranny and crick in the floor. Those who huddle and crowd about these stoves will hold their places until compelled to yield to others and go back, with every pore of the skin pouring out its moisture, into the same distant corner to breathe the cold, damp, and poisonous air, and their perspiration suddenly arrested and the surface made cold. If it is evening and the “taps” sends them to bed they remain chilled through the night and wake up in the morning with a cough, sore throat, &c., &c. They might almost as well sleep in a cold, damp, dark cellar. Who so wanting in common intelligence cannot see that if these causes do not actually and immediately excite disease in some form, they would assuredly become potent predisposing agencies for future mischief.

This is still not all. These barracks were so laid off as to allow one apartment for a company of the usual number; but the troops came pouring in at one time so numerously that there was a clamorous demand for more room. To meet this unlooked for exigency two companies were crowded into one of these apartments in which there was no surplus room after one had pre-occupied it. The laws of hygiene were outraged by this packing process, and regarding this as the climax of imprudence she commenced the work of thinning them out of this cruel aggregation and unfortunately for the work was but to promptly, and unfortunately for the men and the service, as thoroughly, performed. This crowding was neither foreseen nor originally intended, but was at the time the work of necessity, and it is but just to say that no one was especially to blame for it. Under the most favorable conditions and situations, man is but the creature of circumstances, and in no sense is this postulate so well comprehended and understood as in a time of war.

Experience has abundantly proved that infectious diseases seek crowded communities, and the more especially if filth be the concomitant of this backing, which in a large majority of instances is the case. Indeed, under such circumstances, some form of eruptions will be engendered, in my opinion – even those which will subsequently contact, actually to reproduce them in others. But should it be conveyed into communities where cleanliness has not been observed, and where the people have been laboring under such predisposing agencies as the want of pure air and light, an infectious malady, when once introduced; will run like fire in the dry grass of the prairies. Under such circumstances, the measles, which had been lurking in some of the regiments during six months, made its advent into those regiments which has but recently come into the barracks, and soon spread with rapidity, and soon the hospitals, which are established in connection with the barracks, were full to overflowing, and the cases presented a character for malignancy which I had never before observed in any epidemic visitation in a practice of thirty-six years.

You will pardon me while I go a step or two farther, and endeavor to explain to the reader a fact or two in the nature of this disease, so that he can better understand why it was followed by the untoward and fatal results in so many cases. From what has been said, he would infer that any form of disease, which would be introduced among those exposed to the predisposing causes above enumerated, would assume a formidable character. He would also infer that of whatever character or type it would assume a low form, because all the circumstances preceding were calculated to reduce the stamina forces. Every one knows that in measles the skin is changed from a healthy to a diseased state; but every one does not know that the skin continues into the cavity of the mouth and lining it, and even into the stomach and bowels and the air passage of the lungs. As found here it is modified from that which covers the exterior body, and is called the mucus membrane. Now, in measles the skin is not alone affected, but it also attacks these mucous linings; and hence the constant hoarse and distressing cough on the one hand, and the irritation of the stomach and very often of the bowels on the other. I have seen cases of dysentery of a most distressing character in these hospitals, as one of the sequels of measles. Any one looking at the abundant eruption upon the skin, and refleet that these mucous membranes are in a like condition of inflammation and vascular congestion, will not wonder at these distressing symptoms and phenomena. Now, the outer skin, in a few days of this eruptive state, would begin to scale off or desquamate like bran. This is the derma, or outer skin. This old dead skin has been replaced by the new, which has been formed and which has displaced the old. That which has been so recently formed is tender, and highly sensitive to impressions from cold applied, and the circulation thus recently established is feeble and easily interrupted.

Pneumonia, (lung fever) followed in a large majority of the cases of measles, and for reasons, which will be very readily perceived. The circulation in the skin furnishes a large amount of blood, and this is necessary to the performance of its functions. If it be not in the skin it is still in the body somewhere and this somewhere is just where it ought not to be – perhaps encroaching upon some vital organ. It is most likely to take the direction to some organ already in a state of irritation at the time. If the liver or kidneys, or stomach, or lungs, or brain – any one of these is in a state of disease already, it will be invited in that direction, by the irritation then and there existing. Now because the lungs are compelled to carry on the office of function of respiration, the very air they breathe coming in contact with the mucous lining of the pulmonary air passages perpetuates the irritation there, and when cold is applied to the surface so as to drive the circulation inward, it is invited to the lungs and hence we have had pulmonary diseases to follow more frequently then any other form of disease.

Under this twofold power, namely, intropulsion from the skin and the strong attraction on the part of the irritation upon the air tubes, the momentum of rush is great for it is usually sudden, as it is terrible. In ordinary pneumonia, as every medical man knows, one tube of a lung only is diseased, and this the lower one on the side affected. The other lobe or lobes of that side and the other entire lung are left to carry on respiration, and thereby life is perpetuated until the disease is controlled, or it subsides. But in the epidemic of measles as it prevailed in this cantonment, those that relapsed and were sent to the hospitals, very often came in with all the lobes of one side congested and sometimes both lungs. Of course these cases very soon became asphyxiated unless the general circulation was speedily restored. The more mild forms at the beginning would linger on and sink into a low state of depression, and because of the physical degradation arising out of their mode of life prior to the attack of measles, it was very difficult to sustain the vital powers until the morbid state would pass away. Many of these cases would be complicated with erysipalatous inflammations, and so frequently did I observe this upon my daily round among the hospitals, that I became satisfied that a majority of the cases of pneumonitis following measles showed that the character of the inflammation was strictly of that type. The low form of the inflammation, the character of the discharge throw from the lungs and then the supervention of erysipelas upon the skin usually confined to the face, where circumstances which arrested my attention. If the vital forces had not been too far expended, the appearance of erysipelas upon the surface was usually hailed as a harbinger of good, by coming to the relief by transference to the surface of the disease upon the lungs. In this view I was sustained by Prof. Johnson of St. Louis, a very eminent and worthy gentleman.

There was still a more formidable disease than even the pneumonia which very often followed measles and which was Capillary Bronchitis. It was of this disease that the 12th Iowa infantry lost a most valuable officer and worthy gentleman, Capt. Tupper, of Decorah. I was called to see him, in consultation with his surgeon, two days before his death, and found that his was a case of this character. The disease in question consists in the blacking, with thick, tenacious mucus, of the fine, indeed the finest air tubes of the lungs. They are called capillary brochis because not larger than a hair (capillus), and these communicate directly with the air cells. Now, if the air does not reach to these cells, the blood is not revivified or aerated, and as the way to these cells, or in a large majority of them, is closed because these fine, hair-like tubes are blocked up, the oxygen does not reach the blood, nor can the poisonous material which is in the blood when it is sent to the lungs, and which here escapes, be allowed to do so, for the very reason that the oxygen cannot enter. It is in the residual air in the cells, but is re-absorbed into the system to add to the poison rapidly accumulating. Hence, there is a death like lividity of the countenance, intensely upon the lips and about the eyes; the tongue, and even the gums, become of that death blue aspect. The hands and the feet are blue and mottled, and, in extreme cases it extends to the knee. The breathing is most labored, and in the language must expressive, of my friend, Surgeon Andrews of the 3d Michigan cavalry, they become “tight” – a term which misled me at first, but it was so expressive of the condition of the respiration when he used it, that I preferred it. It is distressing to witness the efforts made to breathe, and the various positions they assume, if they have strength to do so. These cases prove fatal in one or two days, or they may live a fortnight, depending upon the number of the air tubes blocked up, for the gravity of the case mainly depended upon this. The surface was cool, unnaturally so, the pulse from 110 to 140 – stupor and great exhaustion. In some cases there was free expectoration of bubbling mucus, which was also highly tenacious; in a majority of cases, however, there was very little discharged. The sheet-anchor was in the use of alcoholic stimulants and tonics, with stimulating expectorants. Nauseating expectorants were contra-indicated because too depressing to the little of life left. It is difficult, nay, almost impossible, to contend against a disease when, as one of its consequences, and increasing as it progressed, the system is continually generating its own poison and accumulating materials for its own destruction. The air cannot get behind those barriers to free admission into the cells, and therefore these obstructions not expelled by expectoration. Examinations of those cases of the diphrite variety in children exhibit shreds or filaments which entirely fill up these fine air tubes, and are moulded and fashioned into their size and form.

Again: the measles leave other consequences in their train. Ophthalmia some times succeeds to it, and there is also the inflammation and suppuration of the glands of the ear, accompanied, in all cases, with dullness of hearing, and in some instances, complete deafness. A chronic disease of the larynx, or vocal-box, remains for some time so that the patient cannot raise his voice in a tone above that of a whisper. - As one of the Medical Board for the examination of those who may apply for discharges from the service, I have seen and examined numerous cases of those different affections in soldiers claiming disability. – There were very many cases of enlargement of the glands about the neck and beneath the jaw.

(Concluded to-morrow.)

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Thursday Morning, February 13, 1862, p. 2

NOTE: This is the first of a two part article. For its second part, please click HERE.